Jetman Flies with the DC-3

Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at 07:00 PM ET

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Key Takeaways:

Jetman successfully performed a formation flight alongside a classic DC-3 aircraft, launching from a helicopter and using his jet-powered wing to match the plane's speed and altitude.
During the approximately 7-minute flight, Jetman's four jet engines allowed him to reach speeds over 125 mph, controlling his movement with his body before parachuting to a safe landing.
This feat is the latest in Jetman's series of remarkable achievements, showcasing his decade-long development of the jet-powered wing, with ongoing work on a new prototype for ground take-offs.

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Jetman’s latest feat brings him in tow with one of the most beloved aircraft of all time.

Jetman Flying with the DC-3 — Before the two met up for their formation flight, the DC-3 took off and entered a holding pattern above Lake Lucerne.

Jetman Flying with the DC-3 — An Eagle AS 350 helicopter then carried Jetman to an altitude of 6,000 feet, where he launched for the flight.

Jetman Flying with the DC-3 — Jetman simply fell back from the helicopter and ensured his wing was in a stabilized position before firing up its jet engines.

Jetman Flying with the DC-3 — Each of the wing’s four Jet-Cat P200 engines provide close to 50 pounds of thrust and are powered up via automatic start.

Jetman Flying with the DC-3 — Those engines allowed Jetman to reach speeds above 125 mph as he headed toward the DC-3.

Jetman Flying with the DC-3 — Jetman used his body to control the craft’s directional movement and align it with the DC-3’s path.

Jetman Flying with the DC-3 — The two met up at an altitude of 4,500 ft.

Jetman Flying with the DC-3 — Passengers inside the DC-3 got a front-row-seat view of the feat as it unfolded.

Jetman Flying with the DC-3 — The flight lasted about 7 minutes until Jetman depleted his reserves.

Jetman Flying with the DC-3 — He then pulled his shoot and glided back to Earth.

Jetman Flying with the DC-3 — He landed safely at Buochs airport moments later.

Jetman Flying with the DC-3 — The flight marks the latest in Jetman’s recent string of remarkable feats, which include crossing the Grand Canyon and flying in formation with the Breitling Jet Team.

Jetman Flying with the DC-3 — Those achievements are the result of Jetman’s lifelong interest in free forms of flight.

Jetman Flying with the DC-3 — His jet-powered wing is more than ten years in the making.

Jetman Flying with the DC-3 — The wing allowed Jetman to first maintain level flight in 2005, following by the achievement of vertical movement the following year.

Jetman Flying with the DC-3 — Jetman is currently working on a new wing prototype, one that will allow him to take off directly from the ground, instead of through the help of a helicopter escort. **Read more about Jetman and his flight with the DC-3 here.
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